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QND returns its main core of players and its entire pitching staff from last year's team that went 21-13 and won a Class 2A sectional. The Raiders lost only two seniors -- outfielder Johnny Ray and shortstop Wade Willer.

That means the bar will be set high this spring.

"We know even moreso we've got targets on our back this year," QND senior Brady Nierman said. "We've got to be ready for that. Teams are going to throw their best at us."

QND, however, can throw its best right back.

The Raiders return their top four starters in junior Tommy Ray and seniors Nick Wellman and Jase Wallingford. Sophomore Griffin Kirn -- who threw against Pleasant Plains in the sectional title game -- also returns. The foursome combined for 18 victories and logged more than 144 innings.

Ray, Wallingford and Wellman all posted earned run averages of less than 3.11.

"They all have another year of experience, so my expectation for them will be a lot higher," QND coach Ryan Oden said. "I expect them to not walk a leadoff batter or not to walk guys with two outs. I'm confident they understand what we expect out of them because their work ethic really shows in practice.

Control was an issue for QND's pitchers at times last year. Ray, Wellman and Wallingford combined to walk 86 batters. They know those numbers can't be replicated this season.

"We have to make sure walks go down, especially in big games," Wallingford said. "If we throw strikes more and get out on top, we'll be fine throughout the year."

The offense can be just as strong.

Senior infielder Malachi Lentz returns after hitting .369 last season with 25 RBIs. He will be limited early since as he was cleared to return to from a knee injury just two weeks ago.

The Raiders also return plus-.300 hitters in Ray, Wellman and junior outfielder Dylan Foley. Nierman also hit .293, while junior Nick Schwartz hit .271. Those six combined for just five homers but drove in 114 runs.

Johnny Ray's bat will be missed from the top of QND's lineup, as he hit .411.

"Johnny's bat will be hard to replace," Oden said. "But if we have a couple guys step up, we'll be just fine."

This veteran team believes it can live up to the expectations and make a run at the state tournament.

"Everyone is going to be more relaxed this year," Wellman said. "We won't be playing tight or anything like that."